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Course summary
Course summary
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- Location: UK and U.S.A.
- Duration: Flexible
- Type: UKCAA licence, EASA licence or UKCAA/EASA dual licence
- Required experience: Little or none
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Graduation qualifications
Graduation qualifications
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge training
- Multi-Engine Piston Commercial Pilot Licence with Instrument Rating (MEP/CPL/IR)
- Airline Pilot Standard Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC)
- Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)
- Final qualification: 'frozen' ATPL, the minimum qualifications to start Type Rating and line training with an airline
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Supporting downloads
Supporting downloads
Pilot Training Courses
Flexible ATPL
British Airways Pilot Recruitment Partner!
We have been selected by British Airways as an accredited partner to fulfil their pilot recruitment needs! The agreement allows BA to select newly qualified pilots from our Graduate Placement Pool and ‘tag’ students at various stages of training that meet the airlines requirements.

Our Flexible Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) takes you from little to no flying experience to a fully qualified airline pilot. Our Flexible ATPL takes advantage of the modular training route but delivers the same outcome as our Integrated ATPL course. If you aren’t able to start a full-time 70 week Integrated ATPL, or if you want to complete pilot training alongside existing personal commitments, then this course offers you that flexibility.
Intended to be completed over approximately three years, this course includes 75 weeks of training time in both our UK and U.S. training locations. This means you can take breaks in between phases of training to travel, work, or study. Cadets on our Flexible ATPL retain all the benefits of our Integrated program, such as the bespoke accommodation offering and access to our Graduate Placement Pool and Training Assurance.
Graduates now fly for airlines such as:
Benefits of training flexibly with L3Harris:
- Accredited pilot recruitment partner of British Airways and TUI
- Access to our state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and U.S.
- Benefit from our relationships with global airlines
- Access the L3Harris Training Assurance and Graduate Placement Pool
- UKCAA, EASA and Dual Licence options
Flexible ATPL
Flexible ATPL Course Cost
Course cost includes:
- Accommodation - throughout Flight Training in the U.S. - see packages above
- Training Assurance - Provision for additional flight training if required
- Access to our Graduate Placement Pool
- All flights and visas required for training in Florida
- Licence fees
- All required training equipment
As well as general living and personal costs, you should also consider things like:
- Medical examination fees. See our guide on that, here
- Insurances
- UK visa fees
Flexible ATPL
Flexible ATPL Timeline
Our Flexible ATPL course timeline is largely up to you, the cadet.
The training programme is split into five grouped modules which are intended to be completed over a three year period. You will complete training entirely at your own pace with gaps between each module to suit your own personal circumstances.
Flexible ATPL could look something like our timeline below.
Timeframes based on UKCAA licence route.

Want to earn your ATPL quicker? Try our full-time course:
Flexible ATPL
Accommodation
Sanford Florida: The Lofts at Eden, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
- Apartments with shared kitchen and lounge. Shuttle service to Academy
- Walking distance to shops, restaurants and entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pool

London Training Centre: Avion Court, Crawley or Brighton, UK
- Ensuite accommodation
- Near bars, restaurants and leisure facilities

Cranfield: Lanchester Hall, Cranfield, UK
- Single or double occupancy rooms. Shared kitchen and lounge
- On campus accommodation
- Access to campus gym, bars and restaurants
Start application Contact our team

Flexible ATPL
Why Choose Us?
Depending on your circumstances, a Flexible ATPL may be a better route for you. The good news is, with our Flexible ATPL, you still have access to all the L3Harris benefits!
Airline Relationships
Our focus is helping you launch your career as a commercial pilot. L3Harris' relationships with airlines around the globe mean our dedicated Graduate Placement Team is positioned to find your first role.
"We were delighted to attend L3Harris’s London Training Centre recently for another successful recruitment event. The quality of the applicants was very high with a growing proportion coming from L3Harris’s Graduate Placement Pool." - Tamas Bodorics, Pilot Recruitment Team Leader, WIZZ Air

Data-Driven Training
What makes us stand out? We use Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) as part of your flight training, which provides data-driven insights.
Why do we use FDM? It creates a safer, more efficient training environment. You and your Instructor get detailed feedback on all training flights. So, what does it mean for you, the cadet pilot?
- Airlines use similar technology: Data is key to an airline’s operation and we are committed to recreating that, or a similar environment in your training journey
- Efficiency: Each cadet is different. Throughout training you receive insight that can highlight areas of excellence and potential improvement, a shift towards competency-based training
This training innovation received the prestigious Aviation Technology Achievement Award. Check out the video below.
Flexible ATPL
Flexible ATPL Entry Criteria
To enrol on our Flexible ATPL course you will need to meet the following entry criteria:
Age and height
- 17+ to submit an application. 18+ to commence training
- Height between 5 ft. 2 in. (157 cm) and 6 ft. 3 in. (191 cm). Applicants outside of this may still apply but will need an ergonomic assessment
Language
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
- Non-native English speakers must achieve level 5.5 individual and overall in IELTS or equivalent ICAO level 4 prior to start of training
Education
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or international high school equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics, Science and English Language
Visas
- Unrestricted right to live, study and work in the UK (e.g. UK national, EU national with settled or pre-settled status)
- If required: Meet the United Kingdom Visa & Immigration Service requirements to qualify for a Visitor (study for six months or less) or Student visa (study for more than six months)
- If required, obtain / be able to obtain M-1 Student Visa for your flight training in the U.S.A.
Medical
- Obtain / be able to obtain a UKCAA or EASA unrestricted Class 2 Medical to commence the PPL module and upgrade to a Class 1 Medical ahead of the CPL module. Read our guide here
Flexible ATPL
How to apply?
Applying is easier than you might think!
Step 1 - Simply click any 'Apply now' button on this page. Or click right here.
Step 2 - Register an account on our application portal. This is just your email address, name, contact number and password.
Step 3 - Verify your account via the link in the confirmation email we send you (if you can't see it, check your junk inbox first).
Step 4 - Simply fill out the application form, it takes no longer than 5 minutes!
Step 5 - Over to us! The L3Harris Selection team will screen your application, and if successful, will get in touch to book you on to one of our selection day events!
Flexible ATPL
Selection process
1. Research | Becoming a pilot is the dream job for the right person. It's a demanding career, but one full of adventure and prestige. Take the time to ensure that you have reviewed our training courses and that it's the right career for you. |
2. Application |
Once you are sure about which training course you want to undertake, you should apply to be assessed by our team. At this point, there is no cost involved, just one form to complete! To complete the form you will need to provide details such as your name, nationality, contact details and confirmation you meet the educational requirements for the course.
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3. Interview, assessment and testing |
If your application is successful, you will be invited to an assessment day at our London Training Centre. This is your chance to show us that you have the skills and the trainability to become a world class pilot. The assessment day will include:
If becoming a pilot is your dream, take a moment to complete our application form and see if you have what it takes. |